Two students from the Northern Marianas College (NMC) School of Business recently had the opportunity to participate in the International Agriculture and Health Innovation workshops hosted by the University of Guam (UOG) College of Natural and Applied Science.
Richard Baleares and John David Cabrera were selected among the Bachelor of Business students through an application process that included a competitive essay portion. Cabrera and his family partake in self-sustenance agriculture and beekeeping, while Baleares was eager to learn more about the different aspects relating to agriculture.
“Having been raised around farmers, agriculture has always been a passion of mine. Prior to attending, I considered these workshops to be a means of clarifying my understanding of island agriculture. In contrast, I have learned a considerable amount of agricultural techniques and practices. While the trip was short, I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect and learn from fellow islanders,” said Cabrera.
Baleares and Cabrera participated in the workshops alongside the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Science (NTUNHS) and the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) students from Taiwan. The workshop included an International Research symposium from students and faculty from NTUHNHS, NPUST, and UOG, presentations on UOG Farmer Focus, Bees in the Marianas, and the Dragon Fruit Value-Added Production Process, as well as an interactive Agriculture Virtual Reality Technology (VRT) experience featuring a Farming Implementation Operation and Field Practice and a VRT production process.
“When I think of agriculture, I think of working in the field, planting, and harvesting. However, after attending these workshops, my perspective on agriculture changed as there are business, sustainability, community, biosecurity, and mental health aspects to agriculture that I never knew existed. It’s very interesting to see how many things are interconnected, from growing produce to be sold to hotels, restaurants, and the community, cooperation within local farmers, and how proper decision-making at a governmental and commerce level can help farmers conduct business more smoothly and efficiently,” said Baleares.
“There has never been a more critical time to focus on cultivating fertile ground for innovation. The recent interaction between our students and their peers from Universities in Taiwan and the University of Guam marks a significant step forward in fostering cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge sharing,” said NMC School of Business Interim Director and Associate Professor Dr. Bobbie Hunter.
“This exchange underscores the importance of understanding both the scientific and business aspects of food regeneration. By exploring sustainable practices and developing innovative business models, we can create a more resilient and equitable food system. We want to give special thanks to the College of Natural & Applied Sciences at UOG for providing our students with this invaluable experience,” said NMC Associate Professor Dr. Yunzi Zhang.
This trip was funded by the USDA-NIFA-RIIA 2022-70008-38345, Adaptation of Virtual Reality Technology (VRT) in the Advancement of Agriculture and Food Sciences Education in Insular Institutions. Photos courtesy of the University of Guam College of Natural and Applied Science.
NMC students Cabrera and Baleares (left-most in the group) toured the University of Guam’s Ija Research & Education Center alongside university students from Taiwan. Photo by Mia Alvarez.
(From left to right) NMC students Richard Baleares and John David Cabrera pose with raw honey extracted as part of a beekeeping presentation and activity. Photo by Mia Alvarez.